Prepare To Get A Job In Graphic Design by Julaluck Kitpowsong
Objectives To develop creating a portfolio that presents professionalism. To help students enter the field of graphic design
Why a portfolio is important? For seeking employment as a designer or even any artistic field. Needed for graduate school admission, obtaining freelance work or starting your own practice. To show your creative solutions and evidence of originality.
Remember : Every portfolio should have a unique look and feel
What goes in a portfolio? Resume Cover letter Letter of recommendation Business card Artist statement Significant Samples of your work
Resume To show your background To show the reasons why the employer should hire you To highlight your accomplishments To reflect your experience and credentials Why create a resume?
Key to design a resume Organization Think about format, layout, color and theme. Tip: “Organization is the key to a well-designed resume, so to create a successful resume, you must first design on the format Resume can be much more creative in its design approach. A well-designed, innovative layout helps to balance a resume that is light on content. Resume can feature a variety of artistic themes.
How long should your resume be? Maximum 2 pages. If longer than 4 pages, it is important to highlight your key qualifications for the job.
Types of resume Chronological resume Functional resume List your work experience as history-specifically, reverse date-form, followed by job titles and responsibilities. Functional resume Describe your skills and talents and organize your experience according to your area of specialization.
What information goes in a resume? Contact information The Objective or summary section Employment history Education Honors, awards, certifications Professional affiliations Additional information (hobbies and interests)
Continue : What information goes in a resume? Technical expertise and computer skills Military service References or letter of recommendation
Letter of Recommendation Choose references carefully. Select people who know and can describe you as an employee, a student or on a personal level. Avoid using personal friends or family members as references. Do not put more than 2 or 3 letters.
Cover letter To introduce yourself. To show your background, education and work experience that can fit the employer need. To highlight your accomplishments To stress the employer the primary reasons to hire you. Why make a cover letter
Artist statement | Design philosophy To describe about your philosophy To discuss the meaning of processes or techniques involved in art making. To discuss the influence of other artists or designers. Goals to make artist statement and design philosophy
Business card To convey a sense of who you are and what you do as a designer or artist. To present your unique appearance. To distinguish yourself from other applicants.
Types of business cards Basic card
Continue : Business card Picture
Continue : Business card Tactile card
Continue : Business card One-of-a-kind-card
Continue : Business card CD-ROM
Select Art + Design Projects Each piece should show your conceptual skills and problem solving abilities. To demonstrate your strength and experience in design as well as highlight skill areas of your particular interest. To give a message about yourself. To show your talent and your potential to grow. Select only your finest pieces. How to choose
Remember Each item you place in your portfolio should reflect the company requirement of the job at hand.
How many art + design pieces? About 10 – 20 pieces. They should be recent and original.
Get your images printed With a home printer or a commercial printer? Using a home printer Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Brother, Minolta, Lexmark, Cannon and Olympus Using a commercial printer Any small print shop or some online services.
What types of papers? Glossy paper Deeper and more intense color. Matte paper Good for producing softer shades of color in your design.
Protect printed images Use acid-free sleeves. Laminate your images
Organize a portfolio Chronological system Arrange your projects with the most recent work at the front and continue in reverse order by date. Categorical system Good for have a variety of work. It allows you to divide your portfolio into well-defined sections.
Present a portfolio Get a case or a binder Good size is about 11”x14” Buy the best one that you can afford. A three-ring notebook + sheet protectors to hold samples. Avoid cheap plastic binders. Use quality sheet protectors. Fcheap sheet protector: Some of the cheap ones show scratches or tear easily.
Simple case and binder Table Top Presentation Display Easel BindeMachina Aluminum 1" Easel Binders
Sketchbook A record of your brainstorming process in action. A proof of your creative and insightful talent. To show the development of your ideas. Bring and show it during the interview.
Design self-promotional package Use a good tagline as the starting point. Think crafty. Make the recipient take action. Some ideas: A folder for containing resume, business card, digital portfolio CD and some small printed examples of your work.
How to begin Start by asking some basic questions: What is my favorite color? What is my favorite song or type of music? What is my favorite artist? What is my favorite art movement? What is my ideal vacation? ...
Prepare for a job interview Research about the company By visiting the library By visiting the company’s website By requesting a copy of the company annual report.
Types of interviews Directive : To gather specific information about your ability to handle the job. Non-directive : Open-ended questions, you do most of the talking. Stress-style interaction : To determine how you react under pressure. Group interview : To determine how you interact with a team. Team interview: More than one interviewer questioning you.
What to wear for an interview?
For women
For men
How to take a successful interview? Start with positive attitude. Prepare effective communication Believe in yourself and your abilities. Make sure your portfolio is ready to go. Plan your journey and should arrive 15 minutes before the interview. Don’t smoke before the interview.
Smile. Take time to think before answering questions. Avoid single word response. Show enthusiasm and confidence. Use professional language. Don’t be nervous. Say nothing negative about past jobs, employers or coworkers. If you don’t understand the questions, say so.
Additional interview related-pointers Remind your references that they may be getting a call from the company. Continue job hunting. Call the company a week or 10 days after the interview to ask about the decision. Be patient. If you print your portfolio on CD or DVD, you should bring your laptop and power cord with you.
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